Commuters faced significant delays on December 11 as multiple incidents caused traffic chaos across four major motorways near Manchester. The M6, M56, M60, and M62 experienced severe congestion, leading to lengthy hold-ups for motorists trying to navigate the morning rush.
The M60 was reported to be partially blocked on the clockwise carriageway at junction 27 for Portwood, resulting in traffic jams extending past Denton Island at junction 24. This disruption has created frustration for drivers heading towards Stockport, compounding the usual pressures of morning travel.
On the M6 southbound, a collision near the Thelwall Viaduct, close to Warrington, has led to traffic congestion stretching back to junction 23 for the East Lancs Road, near St Helens. Northbound motorists also faced delays as rubberneckers slowed down to observe the incident.
Traffic Disruptions Across Major Routes
Further complications arose on the M62 eastbound, where traffic was backed up between junctions 11 at Birchwood and 12 at the M60 Eccles Interchange due to an obstruction on the road, as noted by the Inrix traffic monitoring service. Additionally, a breakdown on the M56 eastbound has resulted in a lane closure between junctions six at Bowdon and seven at Hale, affecting access to Manchester Airport and the city centre.
Traffic on the M61 southbound is also congested as drivers approach the M60, with queues extending back to junction four near Bolton. On the M60 anticlockwise from Simister Island to junction 12 of the M62, typical rush hour delays have also been reported.
Current Status and Updates
As of the latest updates, all lanes on the M6 southbound at the Thelwall Viaduct and on the M60 clockwise at Portwood have reopened, although queues persist as traffic resumes. A lane remains closed on the M56 eastbound due to the earlier breakdown, and the M62 eastbound is still partially blocked because of the ongoing obstruction.
Although both the incidents on the M60 and M62 have been cleared, the usual rush hour traffic continues to create delays on these routes. Commuters are advised to remain alert and allow extra travel time as congestion is expected to linger.
This story is developing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
